What Crieff Hydro does

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels is a privately-held, family-owned Scottish hospitality group headquartered in Crieff, Perthshire, operating continuously since 1868. Its core offering is an integrated family resort on a 900-acre estate, anchored by the Crieff Hydro Hotel and supplemented by a portfolio of six additional dog-friendly hotels — Murraypark Hotel (Crieff), Peebles Hydro Hotel and The Park Hotel (Scottish Borders), Ballachulish Hotel, Isles of Glencoe Hotel, and Kingshouse Hotel (Highlands) — all managed under the SHR Group umbrella. Accommodation spans hotel rooms, suites, and 56 self-catering cabins, cottages, lodges, and shepherd's huts (including a 14-person hot tub cottage). The group also offers the Country Club membership programme providing year-round access to leisure facilities.

The group's product surface extends well beyond lodging. Two activity centres — Action Glen (over 13 outdoor adventure activities including quad biking, alpaca trekking, Aloft! treetop course, archery, axe throwing, and horse riding) and Glen's Adventure Park (jumping pillows, mini-ziplines, wooden fort replica, café) — generate transaction-fee revenue. Supplementary revenue streams include the Victorian Baths (adults-only spa), a 36-seat cinema, fitness studio (Technogym equipment, 1,100+ virtual and 150 instructor-led classes monthly), spa treatments, and BIG Country supervised childcare for ages 2-12 (free for hotel guests). Food and beverage operations run through the Meikle Restaurant, Terrace, Winter Garden, The Hub, Ballroom Bar, Loggia afternoon tea, and the on-site 1881 Distillery at Peebles Hydro, with branded gin distributed across the portfolio and packaged as add-ons.

The business operates a direct-to-consumer model: bookings are taken through crieffhydro.com, secure.crieffhydro.com, the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels mobile app (iOS/Android), and on-site/walk-in channels, incentivised by a best rate guarantee. Pricing is package-based for festive stays (Christmas hotel from £800pp for 3 nights, Christmas self-catering from £1,900 per lodge for 4 nights, Hogmanay hotel from £683pp) and unit-priced for activities (Glen's Activity Pass £35; quad biking £55; Victorian Baths £30 per adult/2 hours). Customer mix centres on UK domestic leisure travellers — primarily families with children, couples seeking spa and rural breaks, self-catering holidaymakers (including dog-friendly bookings), and activity-focused groups — with the Scottish family resort positioning supported by 150+ years of brand heritage. In March 2026 the group divested Highland Safaris to focus on core hospitality.

Name

Crieff Hydro

Legal name

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels

Website

https://crieffhydro.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1868

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels is a privately-held, family-owned Scottish hospitality group operating seven hotels and 56 self-catering lodges across Perthshire, the Borders, and the Highlands on a 900-acre estate, serving UK domestic families and leisure travellers with integrated accommodation, dining, spa, adventure activities, and free childcare.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Family Resort Hospitality

NAICS

Golf Courses and Country Clubs (71391), Amusement and Theme Parks (71311), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Drinking Places (Alcoholic Beverages) (7224)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000), Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Membership Sports & Recreation Clubs (7997)

akta.pro primary industry

Family-Oriented Full-Service Hotels (THAGAAAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Resort-Area Full-Service Hotels (Non–All-Inclusive) (THAGAAAD), Mountain & Ski Homes (THAMAAAG), Family & Kid-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts (THAGAKAA)

Keywords

• Family resort hospitality
• Hotel accommodation services
• Self-catering lodge stays
• Outdoor adventure activities
• Spa and leisure facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

Crieff

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Hotel Accommodation: Revenue from hotel room bookings across multiple properties including Crieff Hydro Hotel, Murraypark Hotel, Peebles Hydro Hotel, The Park Hotel, Kingshouse Hotel, Isles of Glencoe Hotel, and Ballachulish Hotel. Room types include double, twin, family rooms and suites. Christmas hotel packages are offered at £800pp for 3 nights.
2. Self-Catering Lodges: Revenue from 56 self-catering cabins, cottages, and lodges across the estate. Christmas packages from £1,900 per lodge (4 nights); New Year packages from £2,100 per lodge (4 nights). Individual lodge nightly rates range from approximately £383–£1,831 depending on lodge type and season.
3. Activities & Adventures: Revenue from on-site paid activities including Action Glen premium activities (quad biking £55, alpaca trekking £50, archery, axe throwing), Glen's Activity Pass (£35), Glen's Adventure Pass (£15), horse riding (£10–£40), and event-based experiences. Many activities are included in day-pass bundles.
4. Food & Beverage: Revenue from multiple dining outlets including The Meikle Restaurant, The Terrace, The Winter Garden, The Hub, Ballroom Bar, and Afternoon Tea at Loggia. Christmas and Hogmanay packages bundle dining; hotel guests receive meal-inclusive packages.
5. Spa & Leisure: Revenue from spa treatments, Victorian Baths sessions (£30 per adult for 2 hours), fitness studio classes (hotel guests £6 instructor-led, £5 virtual), and Country Club memberships providing year-round access to leisure facilities.
6. Childcare & Entertainment: Revenue from BIG Country supervised childcare (£20 per child per 2-hour session for non-hotel guests) and private cinema hire. Entertainment is included free for hotel and self-catering guests.
7. Asset Divestiture: Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels divested Highland Safaris in 2026 to concentrate investment on core hotel and hospitality operations. Previously owned outdoor adventure business generating revenue independently.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels operates an integrated Scottish family resort business spanning seven hotel properties and 56 self-catering lodges across Perthshire, the Scottish Borders and Highlands. The group sells accommodation (hotel rooms, suites, lodge and cabin stays), festive and seasonal packages (Christmas, Hogmanay, Toddler Breaks), on-site paid activities through Action Glen and Glen's Adventure Park, food and beverage across multiple outlets, spa and leisure access (Victorian Baths, fitness studio, golf), supervised childcare (BIG Country), entertainment (cinema, live programme), and Country Club memberships. All revenue is generated by the company's own integrated resort estate.

Product overview

Crieff Hydro is a family resort hotel based in Perthshire, Scotland, with over 150 years of hospitality history. The core offering consists of the main Crieff Hydro Hotel (accommodation, dining, spa, and leisure) alongside 56 self-catering lodges and cabins spread across a 900-acre estate. The resort operates two major activity centers: Action Glen (outdoor adventures including Aloft! Treetop Adventures, archery, quad biking, and alpaca trekking) and Glen's Adventure Park (family outdoor play with jumping pillows, fort, and ziplines). Additional offerings include BIG Country childcare, an on-site cinema, multiple bars and restaurants (Ballroom Bar, Loggia for afternoon tea, The Meikle Restaurant), and spa/leisure facilities featuring Victorian Baths, swimming pool, fitness studio, and golf course. The resort also offers seasonal packages including Toddler Breaks, Christmas Hotel Breaks, Christmas Self-Catering, and Hogmanay packages, plus a Country Club membership for year-round access. A mobile app provides booking and information services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Action Glen: Outdoor adventure activity center offering treetop adventures, quad biking, archery, and other thrill-seeking activities on the Crieff Hydro estate.
• 1881 Distillery

Products and services

• Crieff Hydro Hotel Scotland's leading family resort hotel based in Perthshire, offering hotel accommodation, dining, spa, leisure facilities and entertainment for leisure travellers, families and couples.
• Family of Hotels Portfolio (Murraypark, Peebles Hydro, The Park, Ballachulish, Isles of Glencoe, Kingshouse) Six additional Scottish hotel properties operated under the Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels umbrella, providing accommodation across Crieff, the Scottish Borders and the Scottish Highlands. Murraypark Hotel is a dog-friendly Crieff property; Peebles Hydro and The Park are dog-friendly Borders hotels; Ballachulish, Isles of Glencoe and Kingshouse are Highlands properties.
• Self-Catering Lodges Portfolio of 56 self-catering cabins, cottages, lodges and shepherd's huts across the 900-acre estate, including Ben Cabins, Culcrieff Village lodges, Woodland Lodges, Cosy Cabins, Leigh Apartments, and Netherleigh Cottage (sleeps 14 with hot tub). Many units are dog-friendly. Range from 1-bedroom units to 6-bedroom configurations.
• Action Glen Adventure Activity Centre On-site outdoor adventure activity centre on the 900-acre estate offering over 13 outdoor activities including Aloft! Treetop Adventures (high ropes and ziplines), archery, quad biking, axe throwing, air rifles, woodland combat, alpaca trekking, horse riding, mini land rovers, quad pods, crazy golf and disc golf. Sold via Glen's Activity Pass (£35) and individual activity pricing.
• Glen's Adventure Park Family outdoor adventure park featuring giant jumping pillows, mini ziplines, Glen's Fort (seven-meter wooden replica of the hotel), Basecamp cafe, and proximity to farm animals. Sold via Glen's Adventure Pass at £15 per person for all-day access plus Crazy Golf.
• Spa & Leisure Facilities Victorian Baths adults-only relaxation zone with pool, sauna, steam room and jacuzzi (£30 per adult for 2 hours); swimming pool; Technogym-equipped fitness studio with cycling, Queenex frame, suspension training and 1,100+ virtual / 150 instructor-led classes per month; tennis courts; 9-hole par-3 golf course. Free for hotel guests with restrictions on certain facilities.
• BIG Country Childcare Supervised group childcare for children aged 2-12, featuring indoor play areas, arts and crafts, Xbox and castle play structure. Free for hotel guests; £20 per child per 2-hour session for self-catering and third-party bookings.
• The Cinema 36-seat private cinema with state-of-the-art digital projection and sound showing latest family films and classic rom-coms. Free for hotel and self-catering guests; private hire available.
• Ballroom Bar Hotel bar blending heritage with contemporary elegance, offering handcrafted cocktails, wines, G&Ts, champagne, and expertly poured coffees. Serves gin products from the on-site 1881 Distillery at Peebles Hydro.
• Afternoon Tea at Loggia Afternoon tea experience in a light-filled space with views over the Strathearn Valley, featuring handcrafted savouries, delicate patisseries and carefully selected teas. Open to hotel guests and day visitors.
• The Meikle Restaurant Family-friendly dining restaurant steeped in the history of the Hydro hotel, serving a Scottish-influenced menu to hotel guests and day visitors. Central to festive dining packages.
• Country Club Membership Year-round membership programme offering full access to gym, swimming pool, Victorian Baths, fitness classes, tennis courts and Action Glen golf facilities, plus discounts across the Family of Hotels. Recurring subscription revenue stream.
• Christmas Hotel Breaks Package (3 nights) 3-night Christmas hotel package including all meals, Christmas Day lunch, festive activities and entertainment. Available at all Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels properties for festive season 2026.
• Christmas Self-Catering Package (4 nights) 4-night self-catering Christmas lodge package including festive entertainment calendar, live music and ceilidhs across the 56-strong lodge portfolio with optional hotel dining add-on.
• Hogmanay Hotel Package New Year celebration hotel package with options of 2-night (£683pp) or 3-night (£950pp) stays including all dining and Hogmanay Gala Dinner.
• Toddler Breaks Package Two-night hotel package where children aged 4 and under stay free, with full Scottish breakfast for adults and children, free entry to Glen's Adventure Park, and free Big Country childcare sessions for ages 2-4. Non-refundable, full payment at booking.
• Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels Mobile App Branded iOS and Android mobile application providing room bookings, restaurant reservations, activity browsing, resort information and exclusive offers. Available on App Store and Google Play Store.
• Horse Riding Centre Equestrian facilities on the estate offering lead-rein sessions for children (from £35, 30 min), group riding lessons (£35 per person), instructional riding hacks (£40 per person) and pony rides (£10 per child).
• Live Entertainment Programme Daily entertainment programme featuring art workshops, critter zoos, gameshows, quizzes, magic shows, science workshops, live music and caricature drawing. Included free for hotel and self-catering guests.
• Fitness Studio & Classes Technogym-equipped fitness studio with studio cycling, Queenex frame, suspension training, 1,100+ virtual classes and up to 150 instructor-led classes monthly. Available to hotel guests and Country Club members.

Quantifiable outcome

• 131 employees affected by HMRC minimum wage shortfall claim totalling nearly £34,000 (contractual deductions dating back to 2014)
• +1 more outcomes

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• 1881 DistilleryminorStrategic or Co-development Partner1881 Distillery is the on-site gin distillery located at Peebles Hydro Hotel, producing award-winning gins including Hydro Gin, Pavilion Pink Gin, and Rafters Gin. The distillery is home to the UK's largest domestic gin school. Its gin products are served across all Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels bars and restaurants, and gin & tonic packages are available as add-ons for self-catering guests.
• Highland SafarisminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHighland Safaris is an award-winning outdoor adventure business near Aberfeldy (approximately 45 minutes from Crieff) offering red deer centre, off-road driving experiences, and Loch Tay safaris. Previously owned by Crieff Hydro Family of Hotels, it was divested in March 2026 to Robbie Winton (second cousin of founder Donald Riddell) in a return to family ownership. The business remains featured as a recommended day-trip attraction for guests.
• Scone PalaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerScone Palace is a historic royal palace and leading Scottish tourist attraction (20 miles/40-minute drive from Crieff Hydro) featuring state rooms, historic gardens, and the Murray Star maze. Featured as a recommended nearby attraction in Crieff Hydro's inspiration content, targeting guests seeking cultural day trips.
• Auchingarrich Wildlife CentreminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAuchingarrich Wildlife Centre in the Comrie countryside is home to approximately 50 species of animals, scenic woodland walks, and family activities. Featured as one of the Top 10 Things To Do in Perthshire and recommended as a nearby attraction for Crieff Hydro guests.
• Drummond Castle GardensminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDrummond Castle Gardens, described as a 'must-see' located just a 5-minute drive from Crieff Hydro Hotel, is featured in the resort's inspiration content as a nearby attraction for guests. The historic gardens are among Perthshire's leading visitor destinations.
• Blair CastleminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlair Castle (41 miles from Crieff) is a historic castle and gardens spanning 750 years of history. Featured as a recommended day-trip destination in Crieff Hydro's inspiration content for guests seeking historic Scottish attractions.
• Perth & Kinross Countryside TrustminorOthersCrieff Hydro offers guests the option to add a £2.64 donation to Perth & Kinross Countryside Trust (Big Tree Country) at checkout. The trust manages over 200,000 acres of woodlands with more champion trees than anywhere else in the UK.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Warner Leisure Hotels: UK operator of adult-focused and family-friendly countryside resort hotels with on-site dining, live entertainment, and activities. Directly comparable on the integrated resort experience, package-led pricing, and UK domestic leisure customer base.
• Butlin's: UK family resort operator with on-site accommodation, activities, entertainment, and dining. Direct competitor for UK family short breaks with a comparable all-in-one-resort proposition, although at a different price point.
• Forest Holidays: UK operator of self-catering woodland cabins and lodges with on-site activities, aimed at family and couples short breaks. Direct competitor to Crieff Hydro's 56-lodge self-catering portfolio in the activity-led UK lodge segment.
• Gleneagles Hotel: Iconic luxury Scottish resort hotel with spa, golf, and activities on a large Perthshire estate. Direct competitor for premium family and couple leisure stays within the same Perthshire catchment.
• Apex Hotels: UK hotel group with multiple Scottish properties including in Perthshire region. Comparable as a multi-property Scottish operator competing for domestic leisure and short-break demand.
• Center Parcs UK: UK forest-based short-break village resort offering lodges, on-site activities, dining, and spa across multiple sites. Closest like-for-like competitor on the 'one-destination, 30+ activities' integrated family holiday model.
• Haven Holidays: UK holiday park operator with family accommodation, on-site activities, and entertainment across coastal locations. Comparable UK family-resort competitor with overlapping customer (UK domestic families) and package-led pricing model.
• Crerar Hotels: Scottish family-owned hotel group operating full-service and resort hotels across Scotland. Comparable as a Scotland-focused, family-owned multi-property operator in the same regional competitive set.
• Macdonald Hotels & Resorts: UK-based portfolio of 30+ hotels and resorts including several Scottish properties with spa, leisure, and golf offerings. Closest direct competitor in the multi-property UK family/leisure resort segment with overlapping geography and amenity mix.
• Loch Lomond Resorts: Operator of lodges, cabins, and resort accommodation in the Loch Lomond and Trossachs region of Scotland. Comparable to Crieff Hydro's self-catering lodge model in the activity-led Scottish leisure market.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/crieffhydro

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Crieff Hydro